By | Pravin Kadam
Satara | Late Night Accident Sparks Massive Rescue Operation
A horrific road accident was reported on Sunday night in the dangerous Ambenali Ghat of Raigad district, where a Scorpio SUV plunged into a deep gorge, resulting in the death of eight people, as per preliminary information.
The tragic incident occurred on the Mahabaleshwar–Poladpur route, a stretch known for its sharp turns and steep घाट sections. The vehicle reportedly lost control and fell nearly 500 to 700 feet into the valley, making rescue efforts extremely challenging.
🟡 Difficult Rescue Operation in Deep Valley
Soon after receiving information about the accident, police teams and emergency rescue units rushed to the spot and immediately launched a search and rescue operation.
Due to the extreme depth of the gorge and rugged terrain, retrieving the bodies has proven to be a difficult task. As of now, two bodies have been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining victims.
🟡 Victims Believed to Be Tourists from Satara
Initial reports suggest that the Scorpio vehicle belongs to Satara district, and the passengers were likely tourists from Satara, Asgaon, and Koregaon areas.
Authorities are yet to confirm the identities of the deceased, and the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
🟡 Ambenali Ghat: A Known Accident-Prone Zone
The Ambenali Ghat, located on the border of Raigad and Satara districts, is considered one of the most dangerous mountain routes in the region. The stretch has witnessed multiple accidents in the past due to its sharp curves, steep slopes, and unpredictable driving conditions.
It is suspected that the victims were traveling towards Konkan or Mahabaleshwar for tourism purposes when the tragedy occurred.
🟡 Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Challenges
Local authorities, along with rescue teams and trekkers, are actively involved in the operation. The darkness during the night significantly hampered rescue work, but with daylight, officials expect to accelerate the search efforts.
So far, two bodies have been recovered, while the search for the remaining six victims is still ongoing.
